1. Generating Secure Passwords

Did you know that your password manager isn’t helping you much if it’s storing poor passwords? Just because your “browndog1” password is in LastPass doesn’t make it any stronger! Once you’re using a manager, it’s important to let it generate random passwords for you.

A 40-character password full of numbers and symbols is ultra-safe and no sweat for the manager to remember. Of course, many websites have restrictions on how long your passwords can be, so you might have to adjust them slightly. Use a password as long and complex as the site allows and you’re all set.

This doesn’t just apply to existing sites, either. Whenever you create an account on a new page, you don’t have to make the password. Let your manager create it for you just like the above and add it to your secure bank.

2. Importing Wi-Fi Credentials and Other Passwords

Whenever you connect to a Wi-Fi network, your computer saves the password so you can easily connect to it later. LastPass allows you to import all Wi-Fi network passwords you’ve saved as secure notes. This makes sure you don’t lose these if you have to reset your computer, and is obviously safer than keeping them in a text file or sticky note.

3. Keeping Credit Cards and Other Sensitive Data

Password managers aren’t just for saving website passwords. You can save all sorts of information in secure notes, with special fields for many types of data. For instance, LastPass lets you save bank accounts, credit cards, driver’s licenses, membership cards, software licenses, and more. If none of those match what you need, you can store a generic note with anything you like.

Of course, everywhere you record these sensitive types of information makes them more vulnerable. Because password managers encrypt your data, everything you enter here is safe from attack unless someone were to figure out your password. Memorizing your social security number only takes a few minutesMemorize Anything Using Active Recall MemoryMemorize Anything Using Active Recall MemoryYour memory sucks, but it's nothing you can't improve. Whether you're trying to learn a language, geography or even basic programming skills, active recall learning lets you commit details to memory.Read More and is probably a better idea than storing it. However, keeping any of this info in a password manager is far safer than recording it as a note on your phone.

@NatalieLanovill Always wise to make up answers for security questions and note them somewhere safe like Lastpass secure notes section

Most password managers have a feature that rates your password security and gives you an overall score. You can quickly see which passwords are weak, duplicates, or old. Of course, your score might suffer a bit because of restrictions that websites place on your passwords, but it’s still a great way to boost your security. If any passwords aren’t up to par, just visit your account and let your manager create a new password for you.

Your password manager’s auditing function should also include a breach notification that lets you know if your email address was involved in major breaches. Usually these massive hacks — like the Dropbox one in 2016Are You One of 69 Million Hacked Dropbox Users?Are You One of 69 Million Hacked Dropbox Users?It has been confirmed that 68 million Dropbox accounts were hacked in August 2012. Was yours one of them? What should you do about it? And why did the hack take FOUR YEARS to come...Read More — publish a huge list of affected emails, which your manager can check against yours. It’s always a good idea to change your password when these attacks happen, but you can know if your credentials were stolen with this feature.

5. Fingerprint Login and Auto-Filling on Mobile

One of the big pains to get used to once you start using a password manager is juggling passwords on mobileThe Best Password Managers for Android ComparedThe Best Password Managers for Android ComparedPasswords are hard to remember, and it's insecure to only have a few passwords memorized. Let these apps keep your passwords strong and secure!Read More. Typing your long master password to log into your manager app is annoying on a phone keyboard. And once you’ve logged in, you have to copy and paste your password to log into mobile apps. There’s a better way: most password managers let you use your phone’s fingerprint scanner to log in, and let you instantly fill passwords into apps.

Check your mobile manager app for an option to use Google or Samsung’s fingerprint utilities on Android or TouchID on iOS to log in. This is much faster than typing your master password and still secure. Once that’s done, look for the option to enable automatic mobile fill-in. For instance, LastPass on Android requires accessibility accessAccessibility on Android: Make Your Device Easier to UseAccessibility on Android: Make Your Device Easier to UseAndroid includes features to make sure that everyone can enjoy their phone. Even if you aren't disabled, the Accessibility menu holds some neat tricks to look into.Read More to create a little bubble when you’re logging into an app. Simply scan your fingerprint and tap the site name to instantly fill it. No copy/pasting required!

Right-click any of your information and you can share it with whomever you’d like. They’ll have to install the manager you’re using for free, and it’s far safer than sending the password over email or text message.

Sharing via a password manager brings further benefits. If you only want someone to access that password for a limited time, you can revoke their access whenever you need. Also, you can create a random password to share with them and quickly change it later so they don’t retain access.

This way, you can deny their access request before however many days you’ve specified. But if you were to pass away, lose your memory, or some other tragedy occurred, your loved ones would have a way to manage your digital life. Your data remains inaccessible by your manager, so it’s a secure measure as well.

What Password Manager Features Do You Count On?

If you weren’t convinced that using a password manager is a great choice, these seven superpowers should show you that it’s essential. Most managers offer a suite of these features for free. With just a bit of setup work, you’ll never have to worry about coming up with a secure password, storing information safely, or giving passwords to family again. If everyone used a password manager, we’d see far fewer accounts hacked online.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment

Name *

Email *

Mike

March 8, 2017 at 8:47 pm

I have read a couple of your articles on bypassing blocks on the internet etc. and I am curious why you haven't included things like Tor and alternate download technologies as methods to bypass blocks.

Been using Lastpass for about 5 years now and wouldn't know how to function without it. I normally use 10-12 digits & characters and save my credit card info as well as secure notes. You can access it on any platform, Android, Windows, Linux, Apple, etc.

Ben is a Deputy Editor at MakeUseOf. He holds a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from Grove City College, where he graduated Cum Laude and with Honors in his major. He enjoys helping others and is passionate about video games as a medium.